First daughters vacationing on Idaho slopes

[itshappening]

Stuck at home this Easter? Suck on it minions. The first daughters have been enjoying their spring break in the Bahamas and now on the Idaho slopes:

-
Local Fox affiliate KMTV is reporting that the First Daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama, are vacationing on the ski slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Earlier this week, Breitbart News broke the news that the First Daughters were on a spring break trip in the Bahamas, with Secret Service protection in tow, despite staff shortages that the White House cited in closing tours to the public.

The cross-continental trip for the First Daughters represents an epic tour. The KMTV news report cited photo evidence that the First Daughters were on the ski slopes, but noted that it was "unclear" whether First Lady Michelle Obama had accompanied them.

Separately, Breitbart News received a tip Friday morning from a parent whose daughter encountered the First Daughters in Sun Valley: "My daughter found herself in the middle of the entourage as she exited a local shop."

Meanwhile, the White House remains closed to thousands of students traveling to Washington, D.C. over Spring Break.

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/03/29/MSM-first-daughters-now-spring-breaking-in-idaho

[Christian Liberty]

The President's Salary should be reduced to 39,000 dollars a year, and that's if they do their jobs. For our current leaders... anything less than death is merciful...

[abacabb]

Good for them. I can vicariously live through the lives of the rich and famous, I like when I have my President jetting around and living like a king. I couldn't think of a better way for my money to be spent.

[FSP-Rebel]

Good for them. I can vicariously live through the lives of the rich and famous, I like when I have my President jetting around and living like a king. I couldn't think of a better way for my money to be spent.
For real, it's like they're trying to set a new record in the Guinness Book for the most vacations in a year. I'm sick of that family abusing their office.

[Lucille]

http://johnlocke.org/site-docs/rightangles/obama-michelle.jpg

[BAllen]

El Presidente' and his fambly be livin' laarge!

[green73]

WH SCRUBS VACATION REPORT (http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/03/29/idaho-ski-story-removed)
http://www.drudgereport.com/i/logo9.gif (http://www.drudgereport.com/)

[itshappening]

2 dozen secret service agents?

I would hate to see the hotel bills, travel & security costs. Probably easily into the millions.

can't they just stay at home for gods sake ?

[Warrior_of_Freedom]

2 dozen secret service agents?

I would hate to see the hotel bills, travel & security costs. Probably easily into the millions.

can't they just stay at home for gods sake ?
Royalty does not simply stay home.

[abacabb]

http://johnlocke.org/site-docs/rightangles/obama-michelle.jpg
+rep

[BAllen]

2 dozen secret service agents?

I would hate to see the hotel bills, travel & security costs. Probably easily into the millions.

can't they just stay at home for gods sake ?

Walmarx says enjoy a staycation!! But that's merely for the peasants. Wealthy, socialist aristocrats like obamas, gores, and clintons don't stoop to lowly things like that.

[Matt Collins]

Who cares? This is a petty thing to attack Obama on, there are a lot more important and relevant transgressions he has committed. Sending his kids on vacation isn't really that big of a deal.

[gwax23]

The President's Salary should be reduced to 39,000 dollars a year, and that's if they do their jobs. For our current leaders... anything less than death is merciful...

No elected official should get any salary. It should be civic service. No pay for government officials.

[itshappening]

Who cares? This is a petty thing to attack Obama on, there are a lot more important and relevant transgressions he has committed. Sending his kids on vacation isn't really that big of a deal.

Every time they go on one of these jaunts (Hawaii, Aspen, Bahamas and now Idaho and that's just this year) it costs millions in security, travel and hotel bills.

[abacabb]

I think the Prez should only get security in the white house.

If he goes anywhere else, well, that's on him then.

[KrokHead]

http://johnlocke.org/site-docs/rightangles/obama-michelle.jpg

The sad thing is that this is a real picture of Barack and Michelle.

[kathy88]

Who cares? This is a petty thing to attack Obama on, there are a lot more important and relevant transgressions he has committed. Sending his kids on vacation isn't really that big of a deal.

Yeah, but it pisses off the GOP sheep.

[Matt Collins]

Every time they go on one of these jaunts (Hawaii, Aspen, Bahamas and now Idaho and that's just this year) it costs millions in security, travel and hotel bills.
Yes of course, but as I said, that's really no big deal. You can't expect them to stay holed up in the White House for 4 years.


There are more important things that he has done wrong, this is petty.

[phill4paul]

No elected official should get any salary. It should be civic service. No pay for government officials.

Then you only have wealthy elite governing.

[mrsat_98]

I think the Prez should only get security in the white house.

If he goes anywhere else, well, that's on him then.

I would be delighted to learn he was going to the theatre.

[phill4paul]

Yes of course, but as I said, that's really no big deal. You can't expect them to stay holed up in the White House for 4 years.


There are more important things that he has done wrong, this is petty.

While petty I think a certain amount of restraint is needed. I, like you, don't believe that a presidents family should be confined to the W.H. for the length of their term. However, I think more discretion should be used. I don't know what kind of limit there should be but I do believe there should be a limit on the amount of taxpayers funds used.

ETA: I do not think it is too much to ask those that seek the position to consider their family and how achieving the position will affect their lives.

[Lucille]

Yes of course, but as I said, that's really no big deal. You can't expect them to stay holed up in the White House for 4 years.


There are more important things that he has done wrong, this is petty.

Those brats were just in the Caribbean last week! We're in a Great Depression here (which Washington is exacerbating with every passing day), and O Duce shuttered the WH to school kids visiting Mordor on the Potomac, while his family jets off hither and yon on the taxpayers' dime!

And believe it or not, I can care about more than one thing at a time and my outrage self-adjusts according to the Intolerable Act being committed.

Maybe you should stop telling people what they should care about.

[abacabb]

Then you only have wealthy elite governing.
You mean like now?

[abacabb]

While petty I think a certain amount of restraint is needed. I, like you, don't believe that a presidents family should be confined to the W.H. for the length of their term. However, I think more discretion should be used. I don't know what kind of limit there should be but I do believe there should be a limit on the amount of taxpayers funds used.

ETA: I do not think it is too much to ask those that seek the position to consider their family and how achieving the position will affect their lives.
The Prez makes 400 Gs a year or something. They can afford Hershey Park or something. It's 2 hours away. Or, they can go skeet shooting at camp david.

In honor of Easter:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DilApDe9fmM/UQ08_UVHdoI/AAAAAAAADXo/zrZ96pYZNvM/s1600/ObamaSkeets.jpg

[phill4paul]

You mean like now?

Ask RPF's own GunnyFreedom (aka Glen Bradley) if he could have afforded to make a living full time AND do as much as he could have for the state of N.C. The perks for elected representatives might be outrageous but I don't think the wages are.

[abacabb]

Ask RPF's own GunnyFreedom (aka Glen Bradley) if he could have afforded to make a living full time AND do as much as he could have for the state of N.C. The perks for elected representatives might be outrageous but I don't think the wages are.
For most offices (aside from local ones other than town judge, dog catcher, etc) come with huge connections and guaranteed work after leaving public service. I see no reason to give them a salary. I'd work for free two years to be in the House of Representatives. Merely so I can do the right thing.

Even the "normal" reps, like Ron and Rand Paul, are pretty well off. Amash might be the exception. Not enough in my mind to waste almost over 100 million dollars paying rich guys to screw us over a year.

[phill4paul]

For most offices (aside from local ones other than town judge, dog catcher, etc) come with huge connections and guaranteed work after leaving public service. I see no reason to give them a salary. I'd work for free two years to be in the House of Representatives. Merely so I can do the right thing.

Even the "normal" reps, like Ron and Rand Paul, are pretty well off. Amash might be the exception. Not enough in my mind to waste almost over 100 million dollars paying rich guys to screw us over a year.

Yeah, Glen is rolling in the dough with those connections he made. :rolleyes:
Here's a hint: Those that try to do the right thing aren't gonna MAKE connections. Not the big paying ones. $3 a year per citizen for wages to representatives? I don't find that egregious. It's the perks and lifetime pensions and benefits that need to end.

[abacabb]

Yeah, Glen is rolling in the dough with those connections he made. :rolleyes:
Here's a hint: Those that try to do the right thing aren't gonna MAKE connections. Not the big paying ones. $3 a year per citizen for wages to representatives? I don't find that egregious. It's the perks and lifetime pensions and benefits that need to end.
I do. They're not working with their hands all day.

I'm talking about national office, where I think salary makes zero difference. If anything, people couldn't afford to stick around too long and we wouldn't have career politicians.

[devil21]

Can't believe Im saying it but at least GWB just went home to Texas for his gazillion vacations. Even his kids weren't flitting all over the place on the taxpayers dime like this family does.

[phill4paul]

I do. They're not working with their hands all day.

I'm talking about national office, where I think salary makes zero difference. If anything, people couldn't afford to stick around too long and we wouldn't have career politicians.

And plenty of one term wonders that greased every hand that they could so that they could find that after office "connection." Sounds like a good plan.

Average salary for a Congress member is $174k. Average pay for an Ob/Gyn is $218k. Sure would have hated to have missed out on Ron Paul and all the terms he served. Rand Paul? $174k vs. as much as Obama makes. :rolleyes:

[Danan]

Ideally being a politician wouldn't be a full-time job. You wouldn't need a salery to vote on 10 bills per year and maybe a declaration of war every 20 years...

[HOLLYWOOD]

Yah think these leeches could afford their own retirement plan and donors for their expenses, instead of US taxpayers having to flip the bills for office space, staff, & travel, WTF? Look at what we are paying just on that war criminal W. As much as I can't stand Harry Truman, when he retired from being president, all he was paid: a $141 US military pension, that's it.

Look @ Clinton's worth over $100 Million selling his scams around the world, yet the US taxpayers still have to pickup his tabs.
The President's Salary should be reduced to 39,000 dollars a year, and that's if they do their jobs. For our current leaders... anything less than death is merciful...

Former presidents cost taxpayers $3.7M in 2012http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/04/12/presidents_84197081_620x350.jpg
US President George W. Bush (C) stands with President-elect Barack Obama (2nd L), former President George H.W. Bush (L), former President Bill Clinton (2nd R) and former President Jimmy Carter (R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 7, 2009.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57576202/former-presidents-cost-taxpayers-$3.7m-in-2012/



Being the leader of the free world is an expensive proposition. But the costs don't stop once you leave the White House.
The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service says the federal government spent nearly $3.7 million on former presidents last year. That covers a $200,000 pension, compensation and benefits for office staff, and other costs like travel, office space and postage.
The costliest former president? George W. Bush, who clocked in at just over $1.3 million. That includes almost $400,000 for 8,000 square feet of office space and $85,000 in telephone costs.

President Bill Clinton came in second at just under $1 million, followed by George H.W. Bush at nearly $850,000. Costs for Jimmy Carter, the only other living former president, came in at about $500,000.

[Christian Liberty]

Who cares? This is a petty thing to attack Obama on, there are a lot more important and relevant transgressions he has committed. Sending his kids on vacation isn't really that big of a deal.

There are more important issues, yes. But this one is so obviously a waste that it needs to get mentioned. We're literally spending millions with absolutely NO BENEFIT to the American People.

I'd be a lot happier if this was Obama's only problem, but this is still ridiculous.


No elected official should get any salary. It should be civic service. No pay for government officials.

This effectively limits office to the well off. I don't think that's a good idea. But they shouldn'tmake more than the average American.

Yeah, but it pisses off the GOP sheep.

It pisses me off too. I'm not GOP at all...

Yes of course, but as I said, that's really no big deal. You can't expect them to stay holed up in the White House for 4 years.


There are more important things that he has done wrong, this is petty.

Sure I can, or at least spend the President's own salary, which I'll remind you is already more than 10 times that of the average American...


Then you only have wealthy elite governing.

This.

Yah think these leeches could afford their own retirement plan on top of taxpayers paying for office staff & travel? WTF. Clinton is worth over $100 Million selling his scams around the world, yet the US taxpayers still have to pickup his tabs.

Former presidents cost taxpayers $3.7M in 2012http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/04/12/presidents_84197081_620x350.jpg
US President George W. Bush (C) stands with President-elect Barack Obama (2nd L), former President George H.W. Bush (L), former President Bill Clinton (2nd R) and former President Jimmy Carter (R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 7, 2009.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57576202/former-presidents-cost-taxpayers-$3.7m-in-2012/
Insane.

[abacabb]

And plenty of one term wonders that greased every hand that they could so that they could find that after office "connection." Sounds like a good plan.

Average salary for a Congress member is $174k. Average pay for an Ob/Gyn is $218k. Sure would have hated to have missed out on Ron Paul and all the terms he served. Rand Paul? $174k vs. as much as Obama makes. :rolleyes:
Do you want m to star counting the salaries of 434 other members of congress?

[squarepusher]

Breaking news, Presidents families receive Secret Service protection. More at 11.

[anaconda]

Just keep it under a $1 Billion for the week for the kids, will ya Barry?

P.S. It's funny how these people don't even try to make leadership overtures. For example, with respect to Biden dumping $ 600K on a 1-night hotel stay, I could totally see a President Rand doing a publicity stunt and asking the French prime Minister if he could crash on his couch for free. And then doing it. But these self-indulgent pricks, partying like Politburo Soviet Elites, have no interest in The People. It's really an astonishing caricature of something that have long since faded from government protocol. Their cluelessness is stupefying.

[phill4paul]

Do you want m to star counting the salaries of 434 other members of congress?

Sure. Please do.

[Christian Liberty]

Just keep it under a $1 Billion for the week for the kids, will ya Barry?

P.S. It's funny how these people don't even try to make leadership overtures. For example, with respect to Biden dumping $ 600K on a 1-night hotel stay, I could totally see a President Rand doing a publicity stunt and asking the French prime Minister if he could crash on his couch for free. And then doing it. But these self-indulgent pricks, partying like Politburo Soviet Elites, have no interest in The People. It's really an astonishing caricature of something that have long since faded from government protocol. Their cluelessness is stupefying.

Rand is NOT going to do that:D +1 for making me laugh, however.

[KrokHead]

Can't believe Im saying it but at least GWB just went home to Texas for his gazillion vacations. Even his kids weren't flitting all over the place on the taxpayers dime like this family does.

I wonder, did W's daughters get secret service protection during their sexcapades?

[Antischism]

Just another headline for the idiot conservatives to lap up and get a brain aneurysm over because it's Obama doing it.

[itshappening]

Just another headline for the idiot conservatives to lap up and get a brain aneurysm over because it's Obama doing it.

it's obscene whoever's doing it.

Why do they need 4 vacations so far this year? STAY AT HOME

[cheapseats]

it's obscene whoever's doing it.

It is.




Why do they need 4 vacations so far this year? STAY AT HOME

They don't. They do it because they CAN.

Why do over-taxed, under-served, over-regulated, under-employed Americans LET them?

[RabbitMan]

This is the least of our worries. I don't like headlines coming up that make us look petty. It's like a bunch of people at a hair salon bitching it up about anything and everything that they can find an excuse to bitch about.

Come on RPF, we are better than this.

[cheapseats]

Who cares? This is a petty thing to attack Obama on, there are a lot more important and relevant transgressions he has committed. Sending his kids on vacation isn't really that big of a deal.


You aspire to be a paid member of the Political Class, yes?




Yes of course, but as I said, that's really no big deal.

Sez you. I say it is a REALLY big deal.




You can't expect them to stay holed up in the White House for 4 years.

They would if Militant Michelle thought they would be subjected to public ridicule/protest/hassle, I can tell you THAT.




There are more important things that he has done wrong, this is petty.

Pomp and circumstance during extremely and elongated Hard Times is NOT petty.

YOU are an apologist for unapologetic extravagance.




Just another headline for the idiot conservatives to lap up and get a brain aneurysm over because it's Obama doing it.

It's obscene, whichever "side" is doing it. It is also YOUR tax dollars, if taxes ye pay.




This is the least of our worries. I don't like headlines coming up that make us look petty. It's like a bunch of people at a hair salon bitching it up about anything and everything that they can find an excuse to bitch about.

Criticizing it and NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT is a bitch-fest. THIRTEEN TO THE DOZEN around this joint.

That Americans do nothing about a WRONG across many years and both political parties does not make it LESS wrong.

Officials AND THEIR FAMILIES living high off the American Tax Hog is NOT the "least of our worries".

[cheapseats]

ImplausibleEndeavors ‏@MindOfMo
Who believes that Barack & Michelle Obama's daughters are entitled to more & better of everything than the children of random taxpayers get?

[Cutlerzzz]

Even if this costs a million dollars it is less than a millionth of the budget. It's a distraction from real issues and real spending problems.

[cheapseats]

Even if this costs a million dollars it is less than a millionth of the budget. It's a distraction from real issues and real spending problems.


Dr. Evil: "One MILL-ion dollars..."

The "secret security" alone... De plane, de plane...

EXTRAVAGANCE WITH TAXPAYER FUNDS IS AN OUTRAGE, not a distraction.

ABORTION is a distraction.

They WANT you to overlook shit like this as MINOR. Conditioning. Indoctrination.

Obama-of-the-splendiferous-lifestyle demands that some Americans pony up MORE and that other Americans get by on LESS, while he and his NOUVEAU RICHE family exercise not one shred of fiscal restraint.

[HOLLYWOOD]

Breaking news, Presidents families receive Secret Service protection. More at 11. Congress passed an amendment earlt this year that gives Presidents and their families, Secret Service protection... FOR LIFE!

These clowns in Congress don't represent their constituents or the US Constitution... they represent themselves, privileged, and powerful.

Lifetime Secret Service Protection for Presidents Bush and Obama
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/lifetime-secret-service-protection-restored-for-presidents-bush-and-obama/

HR. 6620, the “Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012"
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr6620/text

[Cutlerzzz]

Dr. Evil: "One MILL-ion dollars..."

The "secret security" alone... De plane, de plane...

EXTRAVAGANCE WITH TAXPAYER FUNDS IS AN OUTRAGE, not a distraction.

ABORTION is a distraction.

They WANT you to overlook shit like this as MINOR. Conditioning. Indoctrination.

Obama-of-the-splendiferous-lifestyle demands that some Americans pony up MORE and that other Americans get by on LESS, while he and his NOUVEAU RICHE family exercise not one shred of fiscal restraint.

The issue of whether or not abortion is the murder of 1.3 million people every year or not is a distraction, but a decision on how 1/3,700,000th of the Federal Budget is spent is an out rage?

[squarepusher]

I don't understand what people are bitching about in this thread. I can't say I've heard anyone else complain about this with any other president.

[abacabb]

Even if this costs a million dollars it is less than a millionth of the budget. It's a distraction from real issues and real spending problems.
It's a microcosm of the real issues that people can relate to and understand.

[abacabb]

I don't understand what people are bitching about in this thread. I can't say I've heard anyone else complain about this with any other president.
The Obamas actually look like they're having a shit load of fun, so it makes it that much more annoying.

[cheapseats]

The Obamas actually look like they're having a shit load of fun, so it makes it that much more annoying.


LOOK like?

They ARE.

Everything would be LESS fun if there were MORE protests/demonstrations in the neat-o places where they frolic.